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<< Florida Education News Back Issues
Florida Named a Top 10 State for Afterschool Programs But Expert Says State Has “Long Way to Go” Afterschool Alliance Survey of Florida Households Finds Marked Increase in Afterschool Enrollment Since 2004, But Also Vast Unmet Demand for Afterschool Programs Comparatively strong participation in afterschool programs by Florida youth, along with high satisfaction rates among their parents, has landed the state in the Afterschool Alliance’s newly named “Top 10 States for Afterschool” list. The ranking is based on data from the landmark America After 3PM study, conducted for the Afterschool Alliance. America After 3PM found that 20 percent of Florida schoolchildren are enrolled in afterschool programs, up from 17 percent in 2004. “Florida is ahead of the pack on afterschool, and can be proud of that,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “But the data also show another side of the story. The majority of Florida parents who want their kids in afterschool programs aren’t able to find them, usually because programs aren’t available, they can’t afford the fees, or transportation issues make it impossible. These are all barriers we can and should overcome. Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families. Every Florida family that needs an afterschool program should have access to one.” Although there has been an increase in the number of Florida children attending afterschool programs over the last five years, today 25 percent of the state’s schoolchildren are on their own in the afternoons, and another 16 percent are in the care of their brothers or sisters. In addition, the parents of 36 percent of children not already in afterschool say they would enroll their kids in a program if one were available. Eighty-six percent of Florida parents say they are satisfied with the afterschool program their child attends. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in providing afterschool for Florida’s kids and families,” said Larry Pintacuda, Executive Director of the Florida Afterschool Network. “These programs are so important—quality afterschool programs help kids do better in school, and relieve the stresses on working parents. But we’ve clearly got our work cut out for us. Too many children who need afterschool programs don’t have them, and families are carrying a heavier burden as a result. That’s particularly difficult during these hard economic times. For afterschool programs to meet the huge unmet demand from families, they’re going to need more support from all sectors – from the business and philanthropic communities, as well as from the government at all levels. We know that quality afterschool programs work.” “This research confirms what we see every day, that afterschool programs are reaching only a fraction of the children and families that need them – and the recession is making matters worse,” said Afterschool Ambassador Elizabeth (Betsy) Fulmer, District Administrator, School Age Child Care Services in Orlando. “Although there are wonderful opportunities for middle school youth locally, there are not enough overall. Afterschool programs make such a difference in children’s lives and futures. We simply must find a way to significantly expand the availability of afterschool programs.” The “Top 10 States for Afterschool” in the new report are: Hawaii, Arizona, New York, California, New Jersey, Virginia, New Mexico, Florida, Texas and North Carolina. In key respects, the Florida results from the America After 3PM study reflect national findings: • The number and percentage of children participating in afterschool programs in the nation has increased significantly in the last five years, with 8.4 million children (15 percent) now participating. That compares with 6.5 million children in 2004 (11 percent). More national data: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/aa3pm.cfm More Florida data: $21.8 Billion Distributed to Promote Educational Improvement - FLORIDA Gets $1.11 billion
Formula grant programs are noncompetitive awards based on a predetermined formula and provide funding for a variety of programs, including resources to improve teacher quality, career and technical education, and support for children facing the challenges of living in poverty. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B grant program supports children and students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21. The grants are being distributed through the following programs: Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to help students living in poverty. $10.8 billion. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B for America's six million students with disabilities. $8.6 billion. Improving Teacher Quality State Grants. $1.6 billion. And, Career and Technical Education. $773.6 million. These so-called formula grant programs dispense funds to states on July 1 and Oct. 1 based on congressionally mandated formulas that, depending on the program, take into account such measures as population, poverty rates and enrollment. Formula grants originate from the Education Department's annual appropriation from Congress and are separate from the $100 billion in stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. More information about the department's budget can be found here. FLORIDA’S SHARE — Title I: $520.35 million; IDEA-B: $473.67 million; Teacher Quality: $75.09 million; Career-Tech: $40.93 million; TOTAL: $1.11 billion. Indian River County School Board The local economy is narrow, based primarily on tourism, agriculture (citrus and cattle), light industry and commercial fishing. Unemployment is generally high due to the seasonal nature of the economy but rose to 15.2% in August 2009, up 10% from a year prior and the highest level in well over a decade. Foreclosure rates are among the highest in the nation. Taxable values declined by 10% in aggregate in 2009 and 2010 following several years of strong growth. Enrollment has followed a similar pattern, and the district anticipates relatively flat student population the next several years with growth returning in 2012-2013. Financial operations are pressured but the district appears committed to maintaining a base level of financial flexibility consistent with the current rating level. The district has not been able to implement expenditure controls or cost-saving measures commensurate with the decline in state funding and local tax revenue the last several years to stave off an appreciable reduction in fund balance. Unaudited results for fiscal 2009 show a $5 million net deficit, which would lower the unreserved general fund balance to $4.1 million or 3% of total spending from $11.1 million or 9.4% of spending in 2006. The 2010 budget is balanced without the use of additional fund balance. Spending was reduced across the board by 10% or approximately $14.3 million from the prior year budget. The spending reduction plan included elimination of a total of 112 positions and would have been more severe if not for the inclusion of $9 million in stimulus funds allocated to the district through fiscal 2011. District officials expect the fund balance to be restored close to policy level in fiscal 2010, or 4% of total revenue, and to remain at that level until the revenue environment improves. The district maintains additional financial flexibility with approximately $39 million in unreserved fund balance within its capital improvement fund which, while intended for capital spending, can be used within certain spending restrictions to alleviate general fund pressure. Including future debt plans for fiscal 2010, debt levels will remain very low. Osceola County School Board Osceola County is located roughly 14 miles south of Orlando and adjacent to Disney World, leading to the county's concentration in tourism. The Walt Disney Co., rated 'A' by Fitch with a Stable Outlook, employs 61,500 employees in Orange and Osceola counties while Osceola's other large employers are largely tourism, retail, and health care related. A combination of the rapid population growth and Florida's recent housing market bubble led to marked growth in assessed value (AV) which increased 140% in five years from fiscal 2003 to fiscal 2008. New construction accounted for approximately 39% of the increase. The current housing market correction has led to moderate 2.6% growth in tax base growth in fiscal 2009 and a 17.5% decrease for fiscal 2010. Unemployment has increased with the economic downturn to 11.8% for August 2009 from 6.8% a year prior. Although district revenues are vulnerable to state funding fluctuations, the district has maintained stable operations. Despite $22 million in state aid reductions, fiscal 2009 ended with a $5.3 million surplus, increasing the unreserved fund balance to a sound 16% of spending. Fiscal 2010 year-to-date performance indicates a moderate $2 million drawdown due primarily to capital needs for a new textbook adoption. Fitch expects state funding for schools to be unstable over the next few years. The district's above-average reserves should provide it with more than adequate flexibility to adapt to any unplanned revenue reductions. Duval County School Board The district, which serves the city of Jacksonville, is located on the northeastern coast of Florida. The area's diverse economic base has a strong long-term profile bolstered by its historical naval presence, large cargo port with a natural river harbor, and major banking, insurance, health care, and manufacturing industries. While the effect of the current economic downturn has so far been less severe in the city than in other parts of the state, unemployment has increased to 11.2% for August 2009 from 7.1% a year prior. |
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